{"id":11575,"date":"2023-09-08T12:12:17","date_gmt":"2023-09-08T12:12:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/articles\/3d-printing-fdm-overview\/"},"modified":"2025-11-10T09:25:33","modified_gmt":"2025-11-10T08:25:33","slug":"3d-printing-fdm-overview","status":"publish","type":"articles","link":"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/articles\/3d-printing-fdm-overview\/","title":{"rendered":"Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D Printing Technology Overview"},"content":{"rendered":"<div role=\"navigation\" aria-label=\"Table of Contents\" class=\"simpletoc wp-block-simpletoc-toc\"><h2 class=\"simpletoc-title\">Table of Contents<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"simpletoc-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#h-how-does-fused-deposition-modeling-fdm-work\">How Does Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) Work?<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#materials-for-fdm-3d-printing\">Materials for FDM 3D Printing<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#advantages-of-fdm-technology\">Advantages of FDM Technology<\/a>\n\n\n<\/li>\n\n<\/li>\n\n<\/li>\n\n<\/li>\n\n<li><a href=\"#disadvantages-of-fdm-process\">Disadvantages of FDM Process<\/a>\n\n\n<\/li>\n\n<li><a href=\"#xometrys-fdm-3d-printing-services\">Xometry\u2019s FDM 3D Printing Services<\/a>\n<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.uk\/fdm-3d-printing\/\">Fused deposition modeling (FDM)<\/a> is an extrusion-based 3D printing technology. The build materials used in FDM are thermoplastic polymers and come in a filament form. In FDM, a part is manufactured by selectively depositing melted material layer by layer in a path defined by the CAD model. Due to its high accuracy, low cost and large material selection, FDM is one of the most widely used 3D printing technologies across the world.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-does-fused-deposition-modeling-fdm-work\"><strong>How Does Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) Work?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>FDM technology uses the build input material in the form of thermoplastic filaments which is liquified and re-solidified into the desired shape according to the defined CAD model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An FDM printer consists of two spools: one for the build material and the other for the support material respectively.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><div class=\"wp-block-image__wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"512\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/fdm_icon.gif\" alt=\"FDM icon animation\" class=\"wp-image-1825\" style=\"max-width:259px;max-height:259px\"\/><a class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button\" href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/fdm_icon.gif\" data-fancybox=\"gallery-11575\" data-caption=\"\" aria-label=\"Open full image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/fdm_icon.gif\" class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><svg class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\r\n               <path d=\"M0 2V6H2V2H6V0H2C0.895 0 0 0.895 0 2ZM2 12H0V16C0 17.105 0.895 18 2 18H6V16H2V12ZM16 16H12V18H16C17.105 18 18 17.105 18 16V12H16V16ZM16 0H12V2H16V6H18V2C18 0.895 17.105 0 16 0Z\" fill=\"#092C47\"\/>\r\n             <\/svg><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"C7RowQYwADU-69dee50c33b73\" data-video-id=\"C7RowQYwADU\" class=\"ma-gdpr-youtube-wrapper\" style=\"width:100%;height:56.25%;padding-top:56.25%;\" data-new-window=\"\" data-yt-parameters=\"WyJtYXgtd2lkdGg9XHUyMDFjNTAwcHhcIiJd\"><picture class=\"ma-gdpr-youtube-thumbnail\"><source media=\"(min-width:640px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/ma-gdpr-youtube-thumbnails\/C7RowQYwADU\/C7RowQYwADU_hq720.webp\"><source media=\"(min-width:640px)\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" srcset=\"\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/ma-gdpr-youtube-thumbnails\/C7RowQYwADU\/C7RowQYwADU_hq720.jpg\"><source media=\"(min-width:320px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/ma-gdpr-youtube-thumbnails\/C7RowQYwADU\/C7RowQYwADU_sddefault.webp\"><source media=\"(min-width:320px)\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" srcset=\"\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/ma-gdpr-youtube-thumbnails\/C7RowQYwADU\/C7RowQYwADU_sddefault.jpg\"><source media=\"(min-width:240px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/ma-gdpr-youtube-thumbnails\/C7RowQYwADU\/C7RowQYwADU_hqdefault.webp\"><source media=\"(min-width:240px)\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" srcset=\"\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/ma-gdpr-youtube-thumbnails\/C7RowQYwADU\/C7RowQYwADU_hqdefault.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/ma-gdpr-youtube-thumbnails\/C7RowQYwADU\/C7RowQYwADU_mqdefault.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><\/picture><svg class=\"ma-gdpr-youtube-button\"><use xlink:href=\"#ma-gdpr-youtube-play-button\"><\/use><\/svg><div class=\"ma-gdpr-youtube-notice\" style=\"font-size:.7em;\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The Fused deposition modeling 3D printing process follows these main steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Step 1<\/strong> &#8211; After the CAD data is input, the already loaded solid build material filament is liquified with the help of heat in the liquefier head<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Step 2 <\/strong>&#8211; This molten liquid plastic is fed onto the foam build platform as a layer through the extrusion nozzle that moves in all directions as defined in the CAD data. This process of adding the liquid\/semi-solid layers one above the other is repeated. If the design consists of over-hangs or structures that might potentially warp or bend, support structures are used. The support material can be the same as the build material or any other material according to the choice.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Step 3<\/strong> &#8211; In case support structures were used, they are later removed once the build is complete.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"materials-for-fdm-3d-printing\"><strong>Materials for FDM 3D Printing<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Amongst the most widely rigid plastics used for fused deposition modeling, Xometry offers: ABS, ABS ESD7, ABS M30, ASA, Nylon PA12, Nylon PA12 Carbon-Filled, Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polyamide 12, PC-ABS Polycarbonate, PC-ISO Polycarbonate, PC-like Heat Resist Translucent, PC-Polycarbonate, PLA, PETG, PEEK, ULTEM 1010, and ULTEM 9085.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/materials\/asa\/\">ASA<\/a>, an amorphous thermoplastic with improved weather resistance, is widely used in prototyping thanks to its excellent mechanical properties. Plus, it is available in a large variety of colours.<\/p>\n\n\n    <section class=\"article-slider-block\">\r\n        <div class=\"article-content-wrapper\">\r\n            <!-- Swiper -->\r\n            <div class=\"swiper mySwiper2 article-slider-display\">\r\n                <div class=\"swiper-wrapper\">\r\n                                                <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\r\n                                <div class=\"wp-block-image__wrap\">\r\n                                    <img decoding=\"async\"  src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/fdm-petg-as-printed-front-sample-part-xometry.webp\" alt=\"\"\r\n                                    >\r\n                                    <a class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button\" href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/fdm-petg-as-printed-front-sample-part-xometry.webp\" data-fancybox=\"gallery\" data-caption=\"FDM PETG As-Printed\" aria-label=\"Open full image\">\r\n                                        <img src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/fdm-petg-as-printed-front-sample-part-xometry.webp\" class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\">\r\n                                        <svg class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\r\n                                            <path d=\"M0 2V6H2V2H6V0H2C0.895 0 0 0.895 0 2ZM2 12H0V16C0 17.105 0.895 18 2 18H6V16H2V12ZM16 16H12V18H16C17.105 18 18 17.105 18 16V12H16V16ZM16 0H12V2H16V6H18V2C18 0.895 17.105 0 16 0Z\" fill=\"#092C47\"><\/path>\r\n                                        <\/svg>\r\n                                    <\/a>\r\n                                <\/div>\r\n                                <div class=\"article-slider-text\">\r\n                                    <p>FDM PETG As-Printed<\/p>\n                                <\/div>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n                            \r\n                                                        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\r\n                                <div class=\"wp-block-image__wrap\">\r\n                                    <img decoding=\"async\"  src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/fdm-asa-black-front-sample-part-xometry-scaled-1.webp\" alt=\"\"\r\n                                    >\r\n                                    <a class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button\" href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/fdm-asa-black-front-sample-part-xometry-scaled-1.webp\" data-fancybox=\"gallery\" data-caption=\"FDM ASA Black As-Printed\" aria-label=\"Open full image\">\r\n                                        <img src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/fdm-asa-black-front-sample-part-xometry-scaled-1.webp\" class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\">\r\n                                        <svg class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\r\n                                            <path d=\"M0 2V6H2V2H6V0H2C0.895 0 0 0.895 0 2ZM2 12H0V16C0 17.105 0.895 18 2 18H6V16H2V12ZM16 16H12V18H16C17.105 18 18 17.105 18 16V12H16V16ZM16 0H12V2H16V6H18V2C18 0.895 17.105 0 16 0Z\" fill=\"#092C47\"><\/path>\r\n                                        <\/svg>\r\n                                    <\/a>\r\n                                <\/div>\r\n                                <div class=\"article-slider-text\">\r\n                                    <p>FDM ASA Black As-Printed<\/p>\n                                <\/div>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n                            \r\n                                                        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\r\n                                <div class=\"wp-block-image__wrap\">\r\n                                    <img decoding=\"async\"  src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/fdm-pla-frontsample-part-xometry.webp\" alt=\"\"\r\n                                    >\r\n                                    <a class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button\" href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/fdm-pla-frontsample-part-xometry.webp\" data-fancybox=\"gallery\" data-caption=\"FDM PLA As-Printed\" aria-label=\"Open full image\">\r\n                                        <img src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/fdm-pla-frontsample-part-xometry.webp\" class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\">\r\n                                        <svg class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\r\n                                            <path d=\"M0 2V6H2V2H6V0H2C0.895 0 0 0.895 0 2ZM2 12H0V16C0 17.105 0.895 18 2 18H6V16H2V12ZM16 16H12V18H16C17.105 18 18 17.105 18 16V12H16V16ZM16 0H12V2H16V6H18V2C18 0.895 17.105 0 16 0Z\" fill=\"#092C47\"><\/path>\r\n                                        <\/svg>\r\n                                    <\/a>\r\n                                <\/div>\r\n                                <div class=\"article-slider-text\">\r\n                                    <p>FDM PLA As-Printed<\/p>\n                                <\/div>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n                            \r\n                                            <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n            <div thumbsSlider=\"\" class=\"swiper mySwiper article-slider-list\">\r\n                <div class=\"swiper-wrapper\">\r\n                                            <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\r\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/fdm-petg-as-printed-front-sample-part-xometry.webp\" alt=\"\">\r\n                        <\/div>\r\n                                                <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\r\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/fdm-asa-black-front-sample-part-xometry-scaled-1.webp\" alt=\"\">\r\n                        <\/div>\r\n                                                <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\r\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/fdm-pla-frontsample-part-xometry.webp\" alt=\"\">\r\n                        <\/div>\r\n                                        <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/section>\r\n    \n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"advantages-of-fdm-technology\"><strong>Advantages of FDM Technology<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<p>When coming to the FDM process, these are the most important factors that make it one of the most popular 3D printing technologies.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"costeffectiveness\"><strong>Cost-Effectiveness<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p>FDM is known as one of the cheapest options for 3D printing. When the requirement is from a unit to a small batch, FDM is the ideal option compared to its more expensive counterparts like SLA or SLS. Moreover, the build material is cheaper and widely available, which makes the prototyping, re-prototyping and improvements in design less expensive to print than with other technologies.<\/p>\n\n\n    <aside class=\"article-content-aside\">\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/articles\/3d-printing-sla-vs-fdm\/\" class=\"aside-image sidebar__aside-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/fdm-sla-3d-priting-comparison.png\" alt=\"\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/articles\/3d-printing-sla-vs-fdm\/\" class=\"aside-link\">3D Technologies Comparison: SLA vs. FDM<\/a>    <\/aside>\r\n    \n\n\n<p>Colouring and surface finish costs are also reduced as the prints come out coloured with decent surface finish directly from the printer without the fuss of additional post-processing.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"quick-turnaround\"><strong>Quick Turnaround<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p>The FDM process is quick in terms of printing speeds, faster than many other technologies. Since the build filaments are easily available, there is no problem with time in printing big batches too. Xometry delivers FDM printed parts in as fast as 3 business days.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"can-print-in-fullcolour\"><strong>Can Print in Full-Colour<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n    <aside class=\"article-content-aside\">\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/articles\/3d-printing-colour\/\" class=\"aside-image sidebar__aside-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Coloured-3D-printed-parts.jpg\" alt=\"Colored 3D printed parts\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/articles\/3d-printing-colour\/\" class=\"aside-link\">Colour 3D Printing Options Overview<\/a>    <\/aside>\r\n    \n\n\n<p>More than 40 colours are available for FDM printers, and the number of colour options keeps increasing day by day. The colour of the final part is exactly the colour of the filament used. If the desired colour is not obtained, post-processing methods like dying or painting are also available.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"less-material-wastage\"><strong>Less Material Wastage<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p>Since the FDM printer prints by melting the filament and solidifying it, there is no chance of wastage involved like in MJF or SLS where the powder is used and prone to wastage. There is also a chance of eliminating the support structures when the model is designed carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"wide-variety-of-materials\"><strong>Wide Variety of Materials<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p>Over 10 different varieties of plastic filaments are available for FDM. From low strength to high strength materials (PP, TPU, Nylon PA, ABS, PETG, PLA, PC in the ascending order of tensile strength), FDM has an extensive list of materials with which it can print. It is the manufacturer&#8217;s discretion on what to use depending on the need. One other advantage is the material availability. The materials are very often used and hence easily available in the market for a low price.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"disadvantages-of-fdm-process\"><strong>Disadvantages of FDM Process<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Apart from the advantages it offers, there are also a few common disadvantages that FDM possesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"significant-layer-stepping\"><strong>Significant Layer Stepping<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p>The surface quality of FDM printed parts is not smooth like resin printed parts of SLA or Carbon DLS. Since FDM works by dropping molten plastic layer by layer, the stair casing or layer stepping is much more evident. The image shows a rough surface due to the staircase effect. Moreover, the layer adhesion mechanism makes FDM parts anisotropic. Post-processing is required to make the surface smooth and costs more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div style=\"height:16px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><div class=\"wp-block-image__wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/fdm-pla-closeup-sample-part-xometry-scaled-1-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"FDM PLA Closeup\" class=\"wp-image-1315\" srcset=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/fdm-pla-closeup-sample-part-xometry-scaled-1-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/fdm-pla-closeup-sample-part-xometry-scaled-1-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/fdm-pla-closeup-sample-part-xometry-scaled-1-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/fdm-pla-closeup-sample-part-xometry-scaled-1-1536x1024.webp 1536w, https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/fdm-pla-closeup-sample-part-xometry-scaled-1-2048x1366.webp 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><a class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button\" href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/fdm-pla-closeup-sample-part-xometry-scaled-1.webp\" data-fancybox=\"gallery-11575\" data-caption=\"\" aria-label=\"Open full image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/fdm-pla-closeup-sample-part-xometry-scaled-1.webp\" class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><svg class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\r\n               <path d=\"M0 2V6H2V2H6V0H2C0.895 0 0 0.895 0 2ZM2 12H0V16C0 17.105 0.895 18 2 18H6V16H2V12ZM16 16H12V18H16C17.105 18 18 17.105 18 16V12H16V16ZM16 0H12V2H16V6H18V2C18 0.895 17.105 0 16 0Z\" fill=\"#092C47\"\/>\r\n             <\/svg><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"sweats-small-details\"><strong>Sweats Small Details<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p>Due to the nature of melted plastic, FDM sweats small features and has the lowest dimensional accuracy and resolution compared to other 3D printing technologies and hence it is not suitable for parts with intricate details. FDM is surely a good option for prototyping where small details are not important. If details and dimensional accuracy are a concern, it\u2019s better to avoid FDM.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"xometrys-fdm-3d-printing-services\"><strong>Xometry\u2019s FDM 3D Printing Services<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Xometry Europe offers<a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.uk\/fdm-3d-printing\/\"> Fused deposition modeling services online<\/a>, for on-demand 3D printing projects, for both prototypes and large batches. With a network of more than 2,000 partners all over Europe, Xometry is able to deliver FDM 3D printing parts in up to 3 days. Upload your CAD files to <a href=\"https:\/\/get.xometry.uk\/?locale=en\">Xometry Instant Quoting Engine <\/a>to get an instant quote with various manufacturing options available for FDM 3D printing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":50,"featured_media":11577,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","categories":[],"c-tag-articles":[],"global-tag":[491],"class_list":["post-11575","articles","type-articles","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","global-tag-3d-printing-uk"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.7 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Fused Deposition Modeling 3D Printing Technology | Xometry Pro<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Everything you need to know about FDM 3D printing technology: how it works, compatible materials, its advantages and limitations.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/articles\/3d-printing-fdm-overview\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Fused Deposition Modeling 3D Printing Technology | Xometry Pro\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Everything you need to know about FDM 3D printing technology: how it works, compatible materials, its advantages and limitations.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/articles\/3d-printing-fdm-overview\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Xometry Pro\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-11-10T08:25:33+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/FDM-ABS-part-scaled-1.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2560\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1707\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Estimated reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/en-uk\\\/articles\\\/3d-printing-fdm-overview\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/en-uk\\\/articles\\\/3d-printing-fdm-overview\\\/\",\"name\":\"Fused Deposition Modeling 3D Printing Technology | Xometry Pro\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/en-uk\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/en-uk\\\/articles\\\/3d-printing-fdm-overview\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/en-uk\\\/articles\\\/3d-printing-fdm-overview\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/FDM-ABS-part-scaled-1.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2023-09-08T12:12:17+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-11-10T08:25:33+00:00\",\"description\":\"Everything you need to know about FDM 3D printing technology: how it works, compatible materials, its advantages and limitations.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/en-uk\\\/articles\\\/3d-printing-fdm-overview\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/en-uk\\\/articles\\\/3d-printing-fdm-overview\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/en-uk\\\/articles\\\/3d-printing-fdm-overview\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/FDM-ABS-part-scaled-1.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/FDM-ABS-part-scaled-1.jpg\",\"width\":2560,\"height\":1707},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/en-uk\\\/articles\\\/3d-printing-fdm-overview\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/en-uk\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Articles\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/en-uk\\\/articles\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"3D Printing\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/en-uk\\\/global-tag\\\/3d-printing-uk\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":4,\"name\":\"Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D Printing Technology Overview\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/en-uk\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/en-uk\\\/\",\"name\":\"Xometry Pro\",\"description\":\"Knowledge &amp; Community For Engineers &amp; Product Designers\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/en-uk\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Fused Deposition Modeling 3D Printing Technology | Xometry Pro","description":"Everything you need to know about FDM 3D printing technology: how it works, compatible materials, its advantages and limitations.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/articles\/3d-printing-fdm-overview\/","og_locale":"en_GB","og_type":"article","og_title":"Fused Deposition Modeling 3D Printing Technology | Xometry Pro","og_description":"Everything you need to know about FDM 3D printing technology: how it works, compatible materials, its advantages and limitations.","og_url":"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/articles\/3d-printing-fdm-overview\/","og_site_name":"Xometry Pro","article_modified_time":"2025-11-10T08:25:33+00:00","og_image":[{"width":2560,"height":1707,"url":"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/FDM-ABS-part-scaled-1.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Estimated reading time":"5 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/articles\/3d-printing-fdm-overview\/","url":"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/articles\/3d-printing-fdm-overview\/","name":"Fused Deposition Modeling 3D Printing Technology | Xometry Pro","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/articles\/3d-printing-fdm-overview\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/articles\/3d-printing-fdm-overview\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/FDM-ABS-part-scaled-1.jpg","datePublished":"2023-09-08T12:12:17+00:00","dateModified":"2025-11-10T08:25:33+00:00","description":"Everything you need to know about FDM 3D printing technology: how it works, compatible materials, its advantages and limitations.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/articles\/3d-printing-fdm-overview\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-GB","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/articles\/3d-printing-fdm-overview\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/articles\/3d-printing-fdm-overview\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/FDM-ABS-part-scaled-1.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/FDM-ABS-part-scaled-1.jpg","width":2560,"height":1707},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/articles\/3d-printing-fdm-overview\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Articles","item":"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/articles\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"3D Printing","item":"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/global-tag\/3d-printing-uk\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D Printing Technology Overview"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/#website","url":"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/","name":"Xometry Pro","description":"Knowledge &amp; Community For Engineers &amp; Product Designers","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-GB"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/articles\/11575","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/articles"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/articles"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/50"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11575"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/articles\/11575\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11577"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11575"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11575"},{"taxonomy":"c-tag-articles","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/c-tag-articles?post=11575"},{"taxonomy":"global-tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/global-tag?post=11575"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}